Thrustmaster Top Gun Fox 2 Pro USB cuts out in mid flight. Can you help me figure this out.

[feralkid]

I'm using it to (attempt to) play Combat Flight Simulator 2, but about 3 minutes into any given mission, all joystick control is history. normally this means the flight takes a slow but inexorable spiral down onto the deck, and regards & condolences are sent to loved ones; however, since i can't stand the loss, and don't wanna just hit 'esc' i ease her into a steady climb using the 'arrow' keys on the keyboard until she finally stalls. FYI i got a corsair higher than 112,000 feet before she stalled. I would, though, rather fly this as the designers intended, via joystick, and any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks!